Let's Talk: South Bench Drive Part 5; Those in favor and those against

This is a 8 part series to help residents understand better the details of South Bench Drive.  Click here to see part 1, part 2, part 3, and part 4.

South Bench Drive is somewhat of a controversial subject in South Weber with either side feeling strongly.  I don't intend to represent all views of either sides, but some items for people to think about as the form their own opinion of South Bench Drive.  

Those in favor:

•More ingress/egress in and out of the city: We currently only have 2 points of access located at the west and east end.

•A matter of safety:  The fire is often represented as a point that could've been detrimental if we weren't able to get out of the city via the exits we have.

•Addressing the issue of growth:Whether we like it or not, our city will grow and we need to work towards a plan now for that growth

•Another corridor in South Weber: South Weber Drive can not continue to bear the brunt of the traffic in South Weber.  Those who live on South Weber Drive struggle to safely cross the street or back out of their driveways.

•General plan: If it is not on our general plan, we can't make the developer plan for road accordingly. If property is developed and roads are not determined, lands that could have been reserved for a road will be lost.

•More traffic to South Weber: this added traffic could help boost our commercial properties and help them be successful.

•Convenience and safety: A road to Layton would means South Weber residents can travel to Layton quicker than the current route of using Highway 89.  This would also be good for high school students traveling to Northridge High School.

Those against: 

•Instability and contamination on slopes:  There have been many landslides on the south slopes of South Weber.  There is also possible contamination from Hill Air Force Base.  Many believe this road can not be approved due to safety concerns.

•More traffic to South Weber:  those opposed to this road do no want additional traffic coming to South Weber from other cities and would like to stay the more isolated town it currently is.

•Steep grades: Even at the proposed 8% grade that is stated for this road, many feel this road will still be very steep.   1900 E already has a very steep bluff just off South Weber Drive which offers limited sight.  The proposed section of road off 1900 E is at 14% in some areas. 

•Costs: while it has been stated the developer will pay for this road, possible other costs that will fall on the residents would be studies and maintenance of it.

•Loss of local control: it is possible the costs of South Bench Drive, especially where it climbs the slopes, could be too expensive for a developer and South Weber will need to rely on state and/or federal funds.  If so, it is possible that it could become a state road and would be under the state's jurisdiction.

•More traffic through residential areas:  South Bench Drive itself will travel through a section of homes that will front this road.  Traffic that goes onto 1900 E will also enter a residential neighborhood.    This traffic will also need to use South Weber Drive to access this route to Layton, adding more traffic to that and the possibility of future stoplights.  The city engineer said in the 2018 retreat minutes that if 1900 E isn't connected, then in effect South Bench Drive really wont work correctly either.

•Aesthetics: This road will remove a good portion of the vegetation currently on the slopes and will scar the hillside.   Depending on the engineering necessities, this road could require a great deal of excavating and retention that will be very visible from afar.   

Up Next:  Other suggestions?

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